Alan Hughes speaks to
GENEVIEVE CARBERYabout his holiday memories...
What's your earliest holiday memory?It would have to be Butlins, so many years ago. It was only down the road but was a big treat and really exciting. When they built the new houses to replace the Hi-de-Hi!chalets it was very posh.
What was your worst holiday?I went to the Costa del Sol, in Spain, for a fortnight after one of the pantos. I was really tired and wanted to go somewhere nice. But on the first day I fell on the beach and broke my big toe. I might as well have chopped my leg off. I spent two weeks hopping around on crutches. It ruined it.
What was your best holiday?A trip to Australia was fantastic. I stopped in Kuala Lumpur on the way down and Penang on the way back. I loved Sydney, as it's a whole different vibe and way of life. I remember saying if I was younger I would get into TV down there. I got up early one morning to watch the breakfast programme and thought I could definitely do that show.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?I've always wanted to go to India, especially after seeing Slumdog Millionaire, even though it didn't seem the most glam. I will be going next April with the Children to Lapland Appeal, as part of an organised walk. I'm not one of those backpackers who'll take a chance, and I love it to be organised. I've to raise money for terminally ill kids as a part of it, so I get to help charity and have my dream holiday as well.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?At the moment I'm having so much fun and laughs out of Brian Dowling. He keeps everyone's spirits so high and has us in hysterics as the ugly sister in Cinderella, the panto I'm doing this year. He'd be an ideal travelling partner.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?I love going to Killarney and often go to the Muckross Park Hotel. I like to go off peak, when it's not too touristy, as it's a lovely town with great restaurants and a nice vibe.
Your recommended holiday reading?I don't read books when I'm away but listen to my iPod instead. There's nothing better than sitting on the sunlounger with my headphones on – before I realise it an hour has passed. That's my guilty pleasure. I listen to a huge cross-section of music, such as Beyoncé, Queen and Alicia Keys.
Where will you go to next?I'll head to Meloneras, outside Maspalomas on Gran Canaria, for a few days when the panto finishes, in January, to recharge a bit.
Ireland:AMpresenter Alan Hughes stars in The Cheerios Panto Cinderella, at the Tivoli Theatre in Dublin from Wednesday. 01-4544472, panto.ie